Welcome to the World of Paddlesports!

Paddlesports recreation can be a life-long passion or a casual outing just to have fun with family and friends. If you are a beginner or looking for help getting started, this site is designed for you.

A world of adventure awaits you. Rivers and waterways can take you to some of the world’s most stunningly beautiful places. Some are close to home, while others make wonderful family vacations. You can take a short- fun canoe trip on a lazy river for an afternoon or immerse yourself in the thrill of a whitewater raft trip.

Raft trip photo courtesy of Caviness Paddles

Whether you are camping under the spiral arms of the Milky Way, watching moose from a canoe in the north country, or just out for some exercise after work, the options are limitless. The benefits you discover from your engagement with paddlesports can last a lifetime. And it is easier than ever to get involved in canoeing, kayaking, rafting or stand-up paddleboarding.

Cataraft, courtesy of Jack’s Plastic Welding

On this site you’ll find links to search for outfitters who can guide you on a trip or simply rent you the equipment for your self-guided adventure. You’ll also find pages on the site that explain the different types of paddlesports equipment available from retailers which you may encounter from a canoe or kayak rental shop.

Tandem canoeing, photo courtesy of Johnson Outdoors

Before you go: be prepared. If you are a beginner, choose a qualified, professional outfitter to help you get started. They will teach you the basics, run the shuttle to your launch site and on some types of trips provide you with a guide and interpretation. Whether you are looking for an adventure vacation or a day trip with friends, a professional paddlesports provider can help you get started. All you need to do is decide where you want to go and pick up the phone. If you want to learn to paddle on your own or think you may want to make paddlesports your main avocation, consider taking paddling lessons which are provided by many outfitters.

The Professional Paddlesports Association and America Outdoors Association unified in 2012, so you’ll find links from this site to the America Outdoors Association pages for outfitter search. The Professional Paddlesports Association is the portal for paddlesports specific information. America Outdoors Association is a national association of outfitters who provide a wide range of outdoor recreation experiences and adventure vacations. It was formed in 1991 by the merger of Western River Guides Association and the Eastern Professional River Outfitters Association but soon diversified as outfitters began to offer a wider range of recreation opportunities.

If you are a professional paddlesports canoe livery, kayak and canoe rental outfitter or guide river trips, and you want to learn more about membership, check out the Member Benefits at americaoutdoors.org.

This site is sponsored by America Outdoors Association. AOA and PPA unified in 2012. Outfitter and vendor memberships are available through AOA.